Ever feel like you’re chasing a rainbow, but your art supplies just aren’t bright enough? For professional artists, choosing the right pastel pencils can feel like that. The wrong tools can ruin a beautiful drawing. They can make your work look dull and lifeless. You might waste time and money on pencils that don’t work well for you.
Picking the perfect pastel pencils is tough. There are so many brands, colors, and hardness levels. Knowing which ones are best for your art style is a real challenge. It can be frustrating when your pencils break, don’t blend well, or don’t give you the vibrant colors you want.
This blog post is here to help you! We’ll explore the best pastel pencils for professional artists. You’ll learn what to look for, how to choose the right ones for your needs, and how to avoid common mistakes. Get ready to learn how to create stunning art with the right tools. Let’s dive in and find the perfect pastel pencils for you!
Our Top 5 Pastel Pencils For Professionals Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Pastel Pencils For Professionals Detailed Reviews
1. STABILO Chalk-Pastel Artist Colored Pencil CarbOthello ARTY Tin Set of 60
Rating: 9.1/10
Unleash your inner artist with the STABILO Chalk-Pastel Artist Colored Pencil CarbOthello ARTY Tin Set! This set has 60 beautiful chalk-pastel pencils. You also get an eraser, sharpener, and blender. These pencils give you awesome watercolor effects. The packaging might look different, but it is the same great product! These pencils are perfect for drawing and creating stunning art pieces.
What We Like:
- The pencils are artist quality. They come in up to 60 colors!
- You can mix and blend the colors easily. The colors are partially water soluble.
- The pencils have a 4.4mm lead. This creates a dry, dusty stroke. It is like using charcoal.
- The wooden barrel protects the lead. This stops the lead from breaking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user has to be careful not to break the tips
The STABILO CarbOthello pencils are a great choice for artists of all skill levels. They are easy to use and create beautiful artwork.
2. KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils
Rating: 8.9/10
Unleash your inner artist with the KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils! This set has 72 vibrant colors perfect for drawing, sketching, and coloring. These professional-quality pastel pencils are great for artists of all levels. They come in a handy metal tin box, and include a DIY color chart. The pencils are made with high-quality pigments and are non-toxic, so they are safe to use. Get ready to create stunning artwork with these amazing pastel pencils!
What We Like:
- High pigmentation for bright colors.
- Excellent light-fastness to keep colors from fading.
- Easy to blend and mix for new colors and effects.
- Suitable for all artists, from beginners to experts.
- Non-toxic and safe for use.
- Works well on dark or toned paper.
- Comes with a metal tin box for easy storage.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sharpening can be tricky; a utility knife is recommended.
- Not suitable for children under 3 years old.
The KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils are a fantastic choice for artists who want to explore pastels. The wide range of colors and easy blending make these pencils a must-have for any art collection.
3. Faber-Castel FC112112 Pitt Pastel Pencils in A Metal Tin (12 Pack)
Rating: 9.2/10
The Faber-Castel FC112112 Pitt Pastel Pencils are a fun art tool. This set comes with 12 assorted pastel pencils. They come in a handy metal tin. The pencils are easy to use for artists of all levels.
What We Like:
- The set includes 12 different pastel colors.
- The metal tin protects the pencils.
- These pencils are simple to use.
- The colors blend well.
What Could Be Improved:
- The color selection could be bigger.
- More colors would be good.
Overall, the Faber-Castel Pitt Pastel Pencils are a good choice for artists. The metal tin keeps the pencils safe. You can easily create art with these pencils.
4. KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils
Rating: 9.3/10
Unleash your inner artist with the KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils! This set includes 50 vibrant pastel pencils, perfect for drawing, sketching, and shading. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced artist, these pencils will help you create stunning artwork. They come in a handy metal tin box, making them easy to store and transport. You also get a DIY color chart to help you organize your colors.
What We Like:
- High-quality pastel pencils with rich pigmentation.
- Colors blend and mix together easily.
- Suitable for all skill levels, from student to professional.
- Non-toxic and safe materials.
- Works well on different types of paper and surfaces.
- Includes a metal tin box for storage.
- Excellent light-fastness to prevent fading.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sharpening can be tricky; a utility knife is recommended.
- Not suitable for children under 3 years old.
The KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils are a great set for artists of all levels. They offer a wide range of colors and are easy to use. Get ready to create beautiful pastel artwork!
5. KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils
Rating: 8.9/10
Unleash your inner artist with the KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils! This set of 24 portrait-focused pastel pencils is designed for artists of all levels. They’re perfect for drawing, sketching, coloring, and shading. The pencils come in a sleek metal tin, and also includes a DIY color chart. These pencils are a great choice for anyone looking to create realistic portraits.
What We Like:
- High-quality pastel pigments offer rich colors and excellent light-fastness.
- These pencils are wax and oil-free, so you can easily blend and layer colors.
- They are suitable for artists of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.
- You can blend the colors with your fingers or a blending stump.
- The non-toxic materials make them safe to use.
- The metal tin helps keep the pencils organized and protected.
- The pencils work well on both light and dark paper.
- The set comes with a DIY color chart.
- The company offers a customer satisfaction guarantee.
What Could Be Improved:
- A utility knife is needed to sharpen the pencils.
- They are not recommended for children under three years old.
The KALOUR Pro Pastel Chalk Colored Pencils are a great set for any artist. They provide high-quality colors and a safe experience.
Pastel Pencils for Pros: Your Ultimate Guide
If you want to make beautiful art with soft, colorful lines, pastel pencils are great. They are perfect for details and blending. This guide helps you pick the best ones.
Key Features to Look For
You want pastel pencils that are good. Here’s what to watch for:
- Softness: The pencils need to be soft. This helps them lay down color easily. The softer the pencil, the better it blends.
- Pigment Load: Look for pencils with lots of pigment. This means the color is rich and strong. Your art will look more vibrant.
- Lightfastness: Check for lightfast ratings. Lightfastness means the colors won’t fade in the sun. This is very important if you want your art to last a long time.
- Color Range: Choose a set with a good range of colors. You need many colors to create different shades and tones.
- Durability: The pencils must be strong. They should not break easily when you sharpen them.
Important Materials
Pastel pencils are made from key materials. Understanding them helps you make a good choice.
- Pigment: This is the color! Pigments are finely ground materials. They give the pencils their color. High-quality pigments make bright, lasting colors.
- Binder: The binder holds the pigment together. It’s usually a type of clay or gum. It keeps the pencil solid.
- Wood Casing: This is the wood around the pastel lead. Cedar wood is a good choice because it sharpens well. It also protects the lead from breaking.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make pastel pencils better or worse.
- Good Quality Pigments: These make the colors brighter and last longer.
- Fine Grinding: The pigment must be ground finely. This helps with smooth blending.
- Careful Manufacturing: The pencils need to be made well. This means the lead is centered and the wood is smooth.
- Poor Quality Pigments: These cause dull colors that fade quickly.
- Cheap Binders: These cause the pencils to break easily or not blend well.
- Poor Casing Wood: This makes the pencils hard to sharpen. It can also lead to breakage.
User Experience and Use Cases
Pastel pencils are fun to use! They are great for:
- Detail Work: Use them for small details, like drawing eyes or hair.
- Blending: Blend colors together to create smooth transitions. You can use a blending stump or your fingers.
- Layering: Layer different colors on top of each other. This creates depth and texture.
- Portraits: Pastel pencils are great for drawing faces.
- Landscapes: You can draw beautiful landscapes with them.
- Mixed Media: You can use pastel pencils with other art supplies. This includes watercolor or colored pencils.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the difference between pastel pencils and soft pastels?
A: Pastel pencils are like regular pencils. They are good for details. Soft pastels are sticks of color. You use them for larger areas and blending.
Q: What kind of paper is best for pastel pencils?
A: Use paper made for pastels. It has a slightly rough surface. This surface helps the pastel stick to the paper.
Q: How do I sharpen pastel pencils without breaking them?
A: Use a sharp pencil sharpener. Sharpen them carefully and slowly. You can also use a craft knife.
Q: How do I blend pastel pencils?
A: Use a blending stump, your finger, or a soft brush. Blend lightly to avoid smudging.
Q: How do I fix pastel pencil mistakes?
A: You can erase pastel pencils with a kneaded eraser or a soft eraser. Be gentle to avoid damaging the paper.
Q: Do I need to use a fixative with pastel pencils?
A: Yes, a fixative helps prevent smudging and protects your artwork. Spray a thin layer from a distance.
Q: What are lightfast ratings?
A: Lightfast ratings tell you how well the colors resist fading. Look for ratings that are higher.
Q: What is pigment load?
A: Pigment load is the amount of color in the pencil. A higher pigment load gives richer color.
Q: Are all pastel pencils the same size?
A: No, they come in different sizes. Some are thicker than others, affecting how they create lines.
Q: Can I use pastel pencils on canvas?
A: Yes, you can. You need to prepare the canvas first. Use gesso to make it ready for pastels.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.